Question about shot ???

[NYH1]

I've always been into rifles and know quite a bit about them. I have always had shotguns but didn't use them that much. Now I'm going to start using a shotgun for hunting a lot more. So I have a few questions.

1- Is the "shot size" the diameter of the shot? And if so, is it the same size no matter what gauge its being used in?

2- I've heard that "steel shot" doesn't shoot as good as lead. If so would I be better off using some kind of "tungsten shot" instead of steel when waterfowl hunting? Remington has a density comparison chart in their catalog. It says the density of steel is 7.8 grams per CC, the density of lead is 10.9 grams per CC and the density of Hevi-Shot (tungsten) is 12 grams per CC. So #4 tungsten shot being fired at the same velocity as #4 shot lead will have more energy, right?

3- Why would you use "copper-plated" shot?

Thank's

[New Hampshire]

1: Yes.  Shot size is the diameter of the pellet (or rather the overall average since individual pellets can vary a bit.)  And shot is shot, no matter the guage.

2:Steel shot has progressed pretty far since the ban on lead for waterfowl hunting.  There are some great loads out there, but you do have to realize the lmitation it imposes.  Steel is so much cheaper, and if you learn to use it right then there is no problem at all.  Tungsten/iron matrix, heavi shot and all the "heavier than lead" DO preform and great at that.  The biggest down side is cost.  You pay a few dollars more for 15 less rounds.......it can get pricey depending on what your shooting.  Turkey loads aint that bad since you dont burn that many in a season (or at least you shouldnt or you need more time at the range   .)  Goose/duck, however?  You could burn a small fortune in one sitting.

3:The copper plating helps reduce pellet deformation which leads to better patterns.  Also the plating allows for slightly increased penetration on game.  Generally used in Turkey loads and high preformace pheasant.  Worth the extra dough in my opinion.

Hope this helps.
Brian M.

[New Hampshire]

Just to add a something else you can file away in the ole graymatter file cabinet:  There is also nickle plated lead shot (which I think is semi popular in Europe.)  The nickle plating, however, tends to be thicker than copper thus making the actual shot size a wee hair bigger than normal.
Brian M.

[NYH1]

Thanks for the replies guys!